The Los Angeles Times reports Monday that the decision marks an abrupt change of course for the Department of Water and Power, which has said the coastal plants are critical to the city’s electrical system.

Environmental groups have urged the DWP to replace the aging facilities with cleaner alternatives.

The move comes months after state lawmakers passed a bill requiring California to get 100 percent of its electricity from climate-friendly sources by 2045 — up from a previous target of 50 percent from renewables by 2030.